Midterm Election Retreat
Watch & discuss the 2026 midterm election returns with sharp women in politics in historic Charleston, South Carolina.
Join an intimate group of high-achieving women in advocacy who bring unique insights and perspectives from across the country, issue, and political landscapes to watch the 2026 midterm election returns.
"This isn't just a watch party. It's a room full of women who understand exactly what's at stake, thinking through what comes next together, and doing it somewhere beautiful and fun."
Laurie Onorio
FOUNDER & CEO
THE ADVOCACY SHOP
Luxury Accomodations
We’ve reserved a beautifully restored Charleston house near King Street with a rooftop deck. A private bedroom with an en-suite bathroom is included per person for up to 3 nights. Retreat from your daily surroundings and give yourself space to reflect, think, and plan. A change of scenery can spark new ideas and help you break free from routine, setting the stage for powerful strategic insights. Charleston is the perfect location to get out and about, with fabulous shopping, dining, walking, sightseeing, and spas nearby.
Sharp Collaboration & Insights
This event is designed to foster powerful collaboration and generate sharp insights. By engaging with top-tier professionals and thought leaders in real-time as election results unfold, the diverse experiences and strategic minds will push you to think differently, see bigger, and will ignite dynamic discussions. The collective wisdom and real-time discussion will not only deepen your understanding of the election impacts across all levels of government but also inspire innovative approaches to the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Networking & Relationships
Forge new relationships with an exclusive group of high-performing women in advocacy from across the country. The intimate and dynamic setting encourages conversation, the exchange of ideas, and a unique shared experience upon which to build lasting relationships and partnerships.
Culinary, Cocktails, & Couture
This retreat-style event offers a rare chance to do the strategic thinking you're already doing, but with the caliber of company, hospitality, and headspace you don't usually get while doing it, coupled with exquisite cuisine, cocktails, and couture. Hosted in historic Charleston, South Carolina, blocks from the King Street Fashion District, the French Quarter, and more, you’ll shake up your regular routine to unlock new possibilities. Find opportunities to restore your energy and re-energize to prepare for the new landscape and work you’ll be doing to win following the election. From insightful conversations to inspiring collaboration, you’ll leave ready and excited about the opportunities ahead and ready to take on the world.
Without doing anything extra, Charleston is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Just strolling down the historic streets, taking in the beautiful gardens, shopping along King Street, or indulging in one of the amazing spas or the incredible restaurants that paint the city offer boundless opportunities to interrupt your usual patterns and unlock new potential.
Agenda
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Travel & Arrivals
6pm: Dinner at a local restaurant to connect and unwind
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Election night will include dinner and event festivities and food throughout the night. We’ll also have open time earlier in the day to get out and about in Charleston, get some steps in, clear our heads, and get ready to post-up for the night ahead. More details to come!
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9am - 12pm: Post Election Debrief & Brunch at a local restaurant
Discuss national and state election results, ask questions, glean insights from others, discuss how results may impact issues at the state and national level. Ask and answer general questions or workshop specific questions that relate to issues you’re working on.Following brunch, consider using the time to collaborate as you get reports out to clients and elevate what and how you share results. Collaborate on insights, issue strategies, opportunities, and challenges and for business owners, offerings to send out to your clients and prospects. You can also use the time to explore Charleston and unwind after the whirlwind of election night activity.
2pm: Early departures for those leaving Wednesday (we ask that you at least stay through brunch).
6pm: Dinner at a Local Restaurant -
Departures. No scheduled events. Light breakfast included at the house.
Reserve Your Spot
To reserve your spot, a non-refundable 50% deposit is due if registered by September 30, 2026, or in full after October 1, 2026.
Your attendance fee is $2,500 and is all-inclusive for your stay:
Private bedroom and en-suite bathroom for up to 3 nights (11/2 - 11/5)
Exclusive venue & private event to watch election returns on Tuesday night
Dinner on Monday
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Tuesday
Post-election brunch on Wednesday
Dinner Wednesday
Breakfast Thursday
Access to an exclusive midterm election retreat
Spots are limited for this retreat to maintain an intimate environment and suite accommodations.
Please note airfare and travel expenses are not included. Please see the full list of what is included above.
Meal experiences may be adjusted to ensure the best experience as final numbers and planning are finalized, but included meals will not be removed (i.e., we may opt for an in-house catered meal over a restaurant or a more elaborate brunch, with lighter breakfast fare available at the house for early risers).
FAQs
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Accommodations for up to 3 nights: private bedroom with en-suite bathroom (all rooms have king or queen-size beds)
Private venue and terraces to watch election returns on Tuesday
Exclusive election night event
Meals provided Monday dinner through Thursday breakfast
Access to an exclusive, private network of women in advocacy with opportunities for future gatherings in-person and online.
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Travel expenses to and from the event. Extra events you may choose to do during your stay.
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Email Laurie at ljo@theadvocacyshop.com
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Charleston is offered by many airports as a nonstop, including DCA, IAD, DEN, ORD, CLT, LAX and more. And it's an easy drive for many on the east coast. Parking is available at the house but may be limited, please let us know so we can be sure you have a space.
I’m Laurie Onorio, Founder & CEO of The Advocacy Shop. I’ve been leading multi-million-dollar businesses, practice areas, client strategies, and issue campaigns since 2006 and helped lead a multi-seven-figure company as it earned recognition as an Inc 5000 Fastest-Growing Company for three consecutive years. I’ve lived in North Carolina for over 20 years and recently relocated to northern Virginia just outside of Washington, DC.
I’m on a mission to bring high-achieving, fun women together to forge new pathways to doing the work we love while living the lives most only dream of. Having found an elite and professional network outside of advocacy to help me achieve these goals, I’m committed to bringing the same opportunity to industry as well.
I’d love to find time to connect to hear how you can get the most of out this retreat or if you’d like to chat and find out more. Feel free to schedule a short intro call here.
I hope you’ll join us for this exclusive elections retreat in November.
Wondering who I am?
“One of my favorite memories in 2022 was the work-cation I hosted for my team at the Baha Mar resort in the Bahamas. We got so much work done from our beach-front cabana and had a blast doing it. Now I aim to combine high-achieving business and pleasure to change the way we work and live.”